Skilled Migration

Skill Assessment for Skilled Migration

A skills assessment is a crucial part of the Australian skilled migration process. It confirms that your qualifications, experience, and skills meet the standards required for your nominated occupation in Australia. This assessment is mandatory for most skilled visas and is conducted by an assessing authority that specializes in your occupation.

What is a Skills Assessment?

A skills assessment is an evaluation of your education, work experience, and skills to determine whether they meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority responsible for reviewing your application. The skills assessment must be positive before you can apply for most skilled migration visas, such as:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Why is a Skills Assessment Required?

The Australian Government uses skills assessments to ensure that migrants entering the country have the skills and qualifications necessary for occupations that are in demand. It helps confirm that your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards and that you are capable of contributing to the workforce in your chosen field.

Steps in the Skill Assessment Process

  1. Choose Your Nominated Occupation

The first step in applying for skilled migration is choosing an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Each occupation has a designated assessing authority that will review your qualifications and work experience.

  1. Submit Your Skills Assessment Application

Once you have identified your occupation and the relevant assessing authority, you will need to gather and submit documents such as:

  • Your qualifications and academic transcripts
  • Evidence of work experience (employment contracts, references, payslips)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores, if required)
  • Any other documents specified by the assessing authority

  1. Skills Assessment Outcome

Once the assessing authority has reviewed your documents, they will provide an outcome:

  • Positive Outcome: You have met the criteria for your nominated occupation. You can now proceed with your visa application.
  • Negative Outcome: If your skills do not meet the required standards, you may need to provide additional documentation or undertake further study or training to meet the assessment criteria.

Assessing Authorities

Different occupations have different assessing authorities responsible for evaluating skills. Some of the major assessing authorities include:

  • VETASSESS: One of the largest skills assessment authorities, VETASSESS assesses a wide range of general professional occupations, as well as trade occupations. It is responsible for assessing roles such as teachers, HR professionals, marketing specialists, project managers, and many more.
  • Australian Computer Society (ACS): For IT and computing professionals.
  • Engineers Australia: For engineering professionals.
  • Trades Recognition Australia (TRA): For trade occupations such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and mechanics.
  • CPA Australia / Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ): For accounting professionals.
  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC): For nurses and midwives.
  • Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS): For quantity surveyors.

Each assessing authority has its own requirements, fees, and processing times. It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by the assessing authority for your occupation.

Documents Needed for a Skills Assessment

The required documents can vary depending on your occupation and assessing authority. However, typical documents include:

  • Qualifications: Certified copies of degrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
  • Work Experience: Employment references, contracts, and detailed job descriptions showing your duties, skills, and responsibilities.
  • Proof of Identity: Certified copies of your passport or national ID.
  • English Language Proficiency: Test results from recognized English language exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE (if applicable).

Processing Times and Costs

Processing times and fees for skills assessments vary depending on the assessing authority and occupation. On average:

  • Processing Times: Typically range from 8 weeks to 12 months, depending on the occupation and authority.
  • Assessment Costs: Range from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500, depending on the assessing authority.

It’s essential to apply for your skills assessment well in advance, as the assessment must be completed before you can lodge a skilled migration visa application.

Skill Assessment for Temporary Visas

For some temporary work visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), a skills assessment may also be required, depending on your occupation, nationality, and the visa stream you are applying for. The assessment process is similar but may vary in terms of the level of detail required.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we offer comprehensive support to help you navigate the skills assessment process. Our services include:

  • Guidance on Occupation Selection: We help you identify the most suitable occupation from the relevant skilled occupation lists.
  • Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering and preparing the necessary documents for submission to the assessing authority.
  • Liaison with Assessing Authorities: We communicate directly with the assessing authorities on your behalf, ensuring that your application is accurate and complete.
  • Support with Negative Outcomes: If your assessment result is not positive, we provide guidance on further steps, including additional qualifications or alternative visa options.

Get Your Skills Assessed for Skilled Migration

A successful skills assessment is the first step towards migrating to Australia under the skilled migration program. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to make the process easier for you, ensuring that your skills are recognized and you are on the path to a successful visa application.

Contact us today for expert advice and assistance with your skills assessment and skilled migration journey.